KBOR approves USS leave equalization
Monday, May 23, 2016 2:00 AM
News
Pittsburg, KS
The Kansas Board of Regents last week voted 7-2 in favor of leave equalization for University Support Staff (USS). The move increases the rate at which USS earn vacation leave to 8 hours per pay period, the same amount earned by Unclassified Staff.
The successful vote is the culmination of an effort that, at Pittsburg State University, began more than two years ago when employees voted to change their status from classified staff to university support staff.
“We’re excited to see this day come,” said Terri Blessent, USS president for Pittsburg State. “Leave equalization is an important subject to our members and one of the reasons we made the switch in 2014. The regents understood that this will help us recruit and retain quality employees, which will help increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our universities. I thank them for supporting our support staff.”
The process took longer than originally anticipated due to the need for policy changes at both the legislative and regents’ level. Blessent said that even with the delay, she never doubted equalization would happen.
“We had too many good people working on this for it not to happen,” said Blessent. “President Scott was instrumental as were John Patterson, Michele Sexton and Shawn Naccarato. Of course, it all began with my predecessors, former USS presidents Tim Anderson, Dacia Clark and Barbara Circle. It’s a good example of what is possible when we work together.”
Under the old system, USS employees earned 3.7 hours of leave per pay period during their first five years of employment. Adjustments were made at 5- and 10-year intervals with the end result being an accrual rate of 6.7 hours per pay period with a maximum of 174.2 hours per fiscal year.
Under the new system, USS employees will earn 8 hours per pay period up to 176 hours. The new rate will begin with the start of the new fiscal year. Employees will notice the change on their July 1 paycheck.
Pittsburg State employees who have questions are encouraged to contact Human Resource Services at ext. 4191.